How can U.S. government and industry be most effective at coordinated standards development? This and other questions related to government reliance on private-sector standards were the focus of Addressing National Priorities through Standards. Co-hosted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the free event was held on December 11, 2012, in Arlington, Virginia, and drew approximately 70 stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and more.
"The public-private partnership in the United States is strong because it is a true partnership. Neither government nor industry claims or exerts overall authority over the other, and by working together in respectful cooperation, we are able to most effectively respond to the strategic needs of the nation," explained S. Joe Bhatia, ANSI president and CEO, in the morning keynote address. "This dynamic makes our standardization system unique in the world."
"Standards are important for innovation, and innovation is what is going to save this country through economic growth and job creation," said Gary Shapiro, CEA president and CEO, during his afternoon keynote address. "The U.S. government's role in standardization is to get engaged and work collaboratively with industry. Dialogues like today's are an important part of increasing this cooperative spirit."